Hey Yall – I would like you to join me on a new endeavor to discover what Feminism does/can/should look like today. First Stop – Bluestockings book store and activist center, New York.
When I was in college there was a small group on campus led by a girl named Kate. The group was called “Bas Bleu”. The title derives not from the kind of brutal feminism of the 1960s/1970s (the women-removing-scrolls-that-had-been-stuffed-in-their-vaginas-in-front-of-crowds) kind of feminism, but rather goes further back in time providing a casual forum for women, and men (if they choose to join) to discuss ideas.
This Bas Bleu model reminds me of a story that my friend Sarah recently told me about being in an acting class. She explained a subtle roll reversal exercise that they did where the women were told privately to not accommodate for the men physically or in conversation – to simply enjoy the freedom of being the dominating presence. The reaction of the men unawares was noticeable in their posture, and cadence. Crossing their legs, using more modifiers, etc. This story opened my eyes to think about stereotypes in a new way.
Now, in this exploration it is not my goal to diminish men. My interest has very little to do with men at all, actually. Rather – I am interested in how women find their own strength, identity, and expression. Then I just want to make sure there is a place for them to do just that.
One such place I found online is this bluestockings place. Casual blue stockings were the identifier of the previously mentioned group of female (and occasionally male) intellectuals. Hence the name Bas Bleu. I plan to head downtown to check out bluestockings this week and maybe grab some 3rd wave literature to hear what women are saying and thinking. Feel free to comment here anytime about the intelectual topics that interest you – open invite! This goes for Women and men. 😉
Here is some fodder for you: Beyonce, a feminist? Discuss!